Linus Pauling Teaching at Caltech

Abstract

Throughout several decades Linus Pauling gave two lectures per week in the Chemistry Course required of all Caltech freshman. His style was unique and contrasted with that employed by the lecturers in the simultaneously required courses in Physics and Mathematics. A typical lecture by Pauling was stimulating and entertaining and often seemed to be impromptu. The reactions of the freshmen to the Pauling style were overwhelmingly positive and lasting. Some recollections by a former freshman student, professorial colleague and personal friend of Linus Pauling will be offered.

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